Tutorial for Relationships 001, 023, and 043 – Network

Using the Network Frameworks

These frameworks work nicely to show "satellites" circling or surrounding a main body – a network. They can be used to show hierarchy in an organization, product spinoffs, ideas around a mission, etc. You can reduce the center figure and add connecting lines or add another circle that connects the satellites (like in the example). The connections can be between the satellites as well as with the center object. The example on the top right is actually the example for the bursts series. Notice that the burst is ghosted behind the framework to help define the relationship.

The middle-right example is the example for this series and another way that the frameworks can be used. These frameworks are another example of a seemingly simple framework that is difficult to achieve. The distribution of the satellites around the center object are difficult to place so that they are equidistant.

If you need more than 8 circles around a central circle, refer to series FR074. This series has from 9 to 24 circles surrounding the central circle.

If you want to connect the surrounding circles with the central circle, refer to series TO029 (sets of from 3 to 24 broadcast lines). A set of lines can be paired with a set of network circles for a spoke-like connection (see example on bottom right). Just download sets from each series that have corresponding numbers of lines/circles.

Once you have identified the best-suited PowerFramework, download it to a specific location on your computer so you'll be able to find it (the desktop is always a good choice).

Customizing the Networks

Sizing

You can size these frameworks in a couple of different ways. You can change the size/shape of the PowerFramework as a group, which will scale it (example on the left above). Or you can ungroup the framework, select all of the objects of the framework, and size them all at once while holding the shift key down (example on the right above). This will scale each object instead of the whole framework. Once resized, proceed with other customizations.

Color

Select color from your document's color palette or a complimentary color so that the PowerFramework will reflect the color scheme of the rest of your document. Select "No line" if you want to eliminate the outline of the object, or change the line point size if you want thinner or heaver lines.

3D variations

Here are two 3D schemes to compare. The short depth (12 points) in the first example look pretty good for this type of framework. The example on the right make it look like cylinders instead of circles or spheres.

Shadows

A shadow effect adds interest and dimension to a graphic, which can be accomplished within PowerPoint after the framework has been imported. If you have text associated with each satellite, you may want to keep the shadow scheme conservative and close to the object. The drop shadows in PowerPoint 2007 are especially nice when used with networks.

Gradients, patterns, and pictures

Gradients, patterns, and pictures can be added as fills from the "Fill Effects" menu. This particular gradient turns a circle into a sphere (visually only).

Animations

Animations should be selected that will enhance the meaning of the message, not merely to add interest to the slide. Motion animations can be added, but you have to be pretty good at animating to attempt this.